Saturday, 17 June 1989

We first saw Elsie whilst watching a live natural history television programme when we could hardly believe our eyes! It wasn't until several years later that I accompanied Richard Kelly on the long overnight drive and slept under the car initially enjoying the heat from the exhaust pipe. We joined an organised Billy Shiels boat load of twitchers from Seahouses and viewed the colony of Terns on Brownsman Island whilst anchored offshore.

Saturday, 11 February 1989

Sunday, 1 January 1989

1/1/89: Left Heathrow with Bangladesh Airways with the flight costing £470 return.

2/1/89: Arrived Dhaka with 4 hour wait in the Airport before leaving for Kathmandu arriving 2pm local time. 3/1/89: Pashupatinath Woods then to sort out trekking permit before a walk along the Manora and Bagmati Rivers near Kathmandu Airport. 4/1/89: Early morning tourist bus to Pokhara taking 8 hours. Found a small lodge at Lakeside. 5/1/89: Walked from the Shining Hospital on the northern outskirts of Pokhara to Naudanda taking 8 hours - we got lost ! 6/1/89: Walked from Naudanda to Birethanti which took us 7 hours. 7/1/89: Walked from Birethanti to Ulleri taking 7 hours. A shattering climb. 8/1/89: Torrential rain so we stayed in the lodge only getting out birding for an hour. 9/1/89: It finally stopped raining after 36 hours but we could see a lot of snow at higher elevations - we took the risk of heading up. Conditions were dangerous walking through deep snow up to our waists. Ended up soaking wet due to large amounts of snow falling off the trees. Fell over many times due to the layer of ice beneath the snow. Finally made it to Ghorepani after 8 hours feeling absolutely shattered. Partially revived by some tomatoes crushed in boiling water. After dark some Australians arrived from Tatopani (with some of them suffering from frostbite) having walked through deep snow all the way, telling of 3 people killed in an avalanche along their route.

10/1/89: Made the difficult decision to turn back, walking to Tirkedhungha taking 9 hours. Conditions had hardly improved as now walking on sheets of ice instead of in thick snow. Again kept falling over.

11/1/89: Walked from Tirkedhungha to Birethanti. Somewhat relieved to have turned back as the weather had again closed in with more snow falling at higher elevations.

12/1/89: Walked from Birethanti to Phedi and caught a jeep to Pokhara. Caught a taxi back to Lakeside. Went to a travel agent and booked a lodge at Chitwan.

13/1/89: Spent most of the day in the forests to the south of Phewa Tal and then spent some time in some fields at Lakeside. Told that Jomosom was snowed in.

14/1/89: Rowed across Phewa Tal to the northern fields. Rowed back again spending the rest of the day in the same area of forest as the previous day.

15/1/89: Spent all day in the forest to the south of Phewa Tal.

16/1/89: Caught a local bus which took 6 hours to reach the Chitwan Jungle Lodge drop-off point at Daduwa. The Lodge's jeep finally arrived and we were transported to the Lodge. Our initial disappointment of arriving too late for an elephant ride was quickly dispelled when on a short walk a Tiger appeared on the track in front of us. We quickly clambered on top of a passing jeep from where we watched the Tiger walking along the track ahead of us.

17/1/89: Day spent birding the variety of habitats close to the Lodge including a memorable Elephant ride seeing Sloth Bear, a canoe trip along the Rapti River and flushing a Rhino whilst on foot in dense vegetation - enough to set the pulse racing !

18/1/89: Walked all day to and from the Churia Hills.

19/1/89: After some early morning birding hitched a lift with some Australians back to Kathmandu with the journey taking 6 hours. No buses were using the Hetauda route so missed a chance at seeing Ibisbill.

20/1/89: Visited the area opposite the Botanical Gardens at Godaveri, then a look in the Gardens themselves before a quick look along the road leading up Phulchowki.

21/1/89: Spent 4 hours in the superb ravine at the base of Phulchowki with the rest of our time spent walking up the road leading to the summit.

22/1/89: Spent all day on Phulchowki reaching the huts half-way to the summit.

23/1/89: Spent the morning at Gokarna Safari Park with the afternoon spent along the Manora River close to Kathmandu Airport.

24/1/89: Spent all day in the scrub along the track starting opposite the Botanical Gardens with a brief look in the Gardens in the afternoon.

25/1/89: Spent virtually all day in the ravine at the base of Phulchowki.

26/1/89: Spent our last full day at Gokarna Safari Park.

27/1/89: Left Kathmandu at midday and flew along the Himalayas getting spectacular views and seeing Mt. Everest.

28/1/89: Arrived at Heathrow after a 27 hour journey with the plane spending prolonged intervals at Dhaka, Dubai and Paris.

Systematic List:

Little Grebe - Tachybaptus ruficollis Two were seen at the northern end of Phewa Tal on the 14th.

Great Crested Grebe - Podiceps cristatus On Phewa Tal 6 were seen on the 13th and 12 the next day.

Great Cormorant - Phalacrocorax carbo Near Mugling 4 were seen from the bus on the 4th and 1 on the 19th and around 50 were seen near the Chitwan Jungle Lodge on the 17th.

Indian Pond Heron - Ardeola grayii Seen on twelve dates in fair numbers with a maximum of 15 seen at Chitwan on the 16th but was also present around Kathmandu and Pokhara. A single bird was seen at Birethanti on the 11th.

Cattle Egret - Bubulcus ibis Very common around Kathmandu, Pokhara and Chitwan being seen on sixteen dates.

Little Egret - Egretta garzetta Present around Kathmandu, Pokhara and Chitwan being seen on thirteen dates with a daily maximum of 50 seen flying to roost with Cattle egrets at the Royal Palace, Kathmandu on the 2nd.

Intermediate Egret - Egretta intermedia Around 25 flew into roost over Lakeside on the 4th, 1 was seen at Phewa Tal on the 13th with 8 seen there the next day and 2 were seen near the Chitwan Jungle Lodge on the 17th.

Great Egret - Egretta alba At the northern end of Phewa Tal 8 were seen on the 14th and at Chitwan up to 4 were seen on three dates.

Asian Openbill Stork - Anastomus oscitans A single individual was seen near Tadi (near Chitwan) on the 16th with 3 seen there on the 19th and 1 was seen just outside Chitwan NP near the Chitwan Jungle Lodge on the 17th. This species is listed as Near-threatened by Collar et al. (1994).

Black Stork - Ciconia nigra On the 17th around 80 moved over high at the Chitwan Jungle Lodge and 1 was seen along the Rapti River.

Woolly-necked Stork - Ciconia episcopus Near Mugling 1 was seen from the bus on the river on the 4th and 2 were seen along the same stretch on the return journey on the 19th.

Lesser Adjutant - Leptoptilos javanicus We saw 2 near the Chitwan Jungle Lodge on the 17th. This species is listed at Vulnerable by Collar et al. (1994) who state that 'its numbers appear to be much reduced throughout , as a result of habitat loss, hunting and human disturbance'.

Black Ibis - Pseudibis papillosa Around 20 were seen along the Rapti River near the Chitwan Jungle Lodge on the 17th. This species is listed as Near-threatened by Collar et al. (1994).

Ruddy Shelduck - Tadorna ferruginea Up to 35 were seen along the Rapti River near to the Chitwan Jungle Lodge on the three dates we spent there.

Common Teal - Anas crecca Around 10 were seen on Phewa Tal on the 14th.

Mallard - Anas platyrhynchos Around 150 were seen on Phewa Tal on the 14th and 15th.

Spotbill - Anas poecilorhyncha A single individual was present with Mallard on Phewa Tal on the 14th.

Red-crested Pochard - Netta rufina A party of 6 were seen at Chitwan on the 17th.

Ferruginous Duck - Aythya nyroca We saw 6 on Phewa Tal on the 14th. This species is listed as Vulnerable by Collar et al. (1994) who state that 'the various populations have apparently undergone massive declines, attributed to wetland drainage compounded by high hunting pressure'.

Goosander - Mergus merganser Two pairs were seen at Chitwan on the 17th.

Crested Honey Buzzard - Pernis ptilorhyncus A single individual was seen near the Chitwan Jungle Lodge on the 17th.

Black Kite - Milvus migrans Very common in most areas although none were seen to the north of Birethanti.

Egyptian Vulture - Neophron percnopterus Up to 12 were seen on six dates in the Pokhara area and 1 was seen at Gokarna on the 26th.

Lammergeier - Gypaetus barbatus A total of 5 adults were recorded between Pokhara and Ghorepani with some allowing superb close views.

Oriental White-backed Vulture - Gyps bengalensis Singles were seen at Chandrakot on the 6th, Pokhara on the 13th and 15th and at Narayanghat on the 16th. This species is listed as Near-threatened by Collar et al. (1994).

Long-billed Vulture - Gyps indicus A single individual was seen between Godaveri and Kathmandu on the 22nd. This species is listed as Near-threatened by Collar et al. (1994).

Himalayan Griffon Vulture - Gyps himalayensis Seen on six dates between Pokhara and Ghorepani with a maximum of around 30 seen at a carcass near Ulleri on the 10th.

Eurasian Griffon Vulture - Gyps fulvus Seen on eight dates from Pokhara to Ulleri where a daily maximum of 10 was recorded on the 10th.

King Vulture - Sarcogyps calvus Seen on five dates between Pokhara and Ghorepani with a daily maximum of 3 recorded on the 6th near Chandrakot.

Eurasian Black Vulture - Aegypius monachus Around 10 were seen near Mugling on the 4th and a total of 4 were seen between Pokhara and Ghorepani. This species is listed as Near-threatened by Collar et al. (1994).

Crested Serpent Eagle - Spilornis cheela Singles were seen near Suiket on the 5th, between Ghorepani and Ulleri on the 10th, at the forest on the southern edge of Phewa Tal on the 15th and up to 4 were seen on three dates near the Chitwan Jungle Lodge.

Eurasian Marsh Harrier - Circus aeruginosus A single female was watched hunting over the fields at the northern end of Phewa Tal on the 14th.

Hen Harrier - Circus cyaneus Single males were seen at Naudanda on the 5th, Pokhara on the 13th, Chitwan on the 19th and a female was seen at Phulchowki on the 22nd.

Besra - Accipiter virgatus A male was watched hunting and then perched whilst feeding on what appeared to be a Magpie Robin at the Godaveri Botanical Gardens on the 20th and was again seen there on the 24th.

Shikra - Accipiter badius Singles were seen at the Manora River near Kathmandu Airport on the 3rd, just above Ulleri on the 9th and a pair were seen at Gokarna Safari Park on the 26th.

Common Buzzard - Buteo buteo Seen on six dates in the Kathmandu and Pokhara areas.

Long-legged Buzzard - Buteo rufinus Singles were seen at Lumle on the 12th and at Daduwa near Chitwan on the 16th and 19th.

Upland Buzzard - Buteo hemilasius An extremely well-marked individual was seen at the Manora River near Kathmandu Airport on the 3rd.

Black Eagle - Ictinaetus malayensis A single individual was seen at Phulchowki on the 20th and 22nd.

Lesser Spotted Eagle - Aquila pomarina An immature was seen near the Chitwan Jungle Lodge on the 17th.

Steppe Eagle - Aquila rapax nipalensis Around 10 were seen at Gokarna Safari Park on the 23rd and 5 there on the 26th and 1 was seen between Kathmandu and Godaveri on the 25th.

Imperial Eagle - Aquila heliaca An immature and a fine adult were seen at the Gokarna Safari Park on the 23rd with the immature seen again there on the 26th and an immature was seen at the Manora River on the 23rd.

Bonelli's Eagle - Hieraaetus fasciatus A single individual was seen at Chandrakot on the 6th and 4 were seen at Birethanti on the 11th. Changeable Hawk-Eagle - Spizaetus cirrhatus A single individual was seen near Chitwan Jungle Lodge on the 18th.

Mountain Hawk-Eagle - Spizaetus nipalensis On Phulchowki 2 were seen on the 20th and 1 was seen on the 22nd.

Osprey - Pandion haliaetus A single individual was seen at Chitwan on the 19th.

Red-thighed Falconet - Microhierax caerulescens A party of 5 were watched hunting butterflies near the Chitwan Jungle Lodge on the 18th.

Kestrel - Falco tinnunculus Seen on ten dates in small numbers at widespread localities.

Peregrine - Falco peregrinus A single individual was seen on the hill above Birethanti on the 6th and the 12th and another was seen at Gokarna Safari Park on the 26th.

Red Junglefowl - Gallus gallus A male ran across a trail and was subsequently flushed in woodland near the Chitwan Jungle Lodge on the 17th.

Kalij Pheasant - Lophura leucomelana A male was seen well in the scrub leading up Phulchowki along the track starting opposite the entrance to the Godaveri Botanical Gardens on the 24th.

Blue Peafowl - Pavo cristatus Around 40 were seen just outside the Chitwan NP near the Chitwan Jungle Lodge on the 17th.

Yellow-legged Buttonquail - Turnix tanki A single individual was seen feeding in the middle of a track leading through the forest near the Chitwan Jungle Lodge on the 16th. It quickly ran into the forest.

Brown Crake - Amaurornis akool A single individual was seen near the Chitwan Jungle Lodge on the 17th.

White-breasted Waterhen - Amaurornis phoenicurus A single bird was seen at the northern end of Phewa Tal on the 14th and 2 were seen at Chitwan on the 17th.

Moorhen - Gallinula chloropus At the northern end of Phewa Tal 3 were seen on the 14th and 4 were seen at Chitwan.

Coot - Fulica atra Around 35 were seen at the northern end of Phewa Tal on the 14th.

Great Stone-Plover - Esacus recurvirostris A single individual was seen along the edge of the Rapti River near the Chitwan Jungle Lodge on the 17th. One of the highlights of the trip.

Little Pratincole - Glareola lactea Present on the Rapti River near the Chitwan Jungle Lodge with 60 seen on the 16th but just 4 the following day.

Little Ringed Plover - Charadrius dubius Up to 6 were seen along the Manora River near the Kathmandu Airport on the 3rd and the 23rd and 6 were seen on the Rapti River on the 17th with 2 seen there on the 19th.

River Plover - Hoplopterus duvaucelii A pair were seen along the Rapti River near the Chitwan Jungle Lodge on the 16th and another pair were seen along another section of the river the following day.

Grey-headed Plover - Hoplopterus cinereus A party of 4 were located in fields at the northern end of Phewa Tal on the 14th - they were presumably wintering there.

Red-wattled Plover - Hoplopterus indicus A single individual was seen from the bus between Mugling and Pokhara on the 4th, around 20 were seen in the northern fields at Phewa Tal on the 14th and up to 6 were seen at Chitwan on three dates.

Temminck's Stint - Calidris temminckii Around 12 were seen along the Manora River near Kathmandu Airport on the 3rd with 4 seen there on the 23rd and up to 10 were seen on the Rapti River on both the 16th and 17th.

Pintail Snipe - Gallinago stenura A total of 5 were seen in the fields at the northern end of Phewa Tal on the 14th.

Greenshank - Tringa nebularia Up to 12 were seen on the Rapti River near the Chitwan Jungle Lodge on three dates.

Green Sandpiper - Tringa ochropus We saw 10 on the Rapti River and smaller streams in the area on the 17th and a single bird along the Manora River on the 23rd.

Wood Sandpiper - Tringa glareola We saw 3 on the Rapti River on the 17th.

Common Sandpiper - Actitis hypoleucos Seen on six dates being seen at the Rapti and Manora Rivers and at Phewa Tal in small numbers.

Redshank - Tringa totanus We saw 3 near the Chitwan Jungle Lodge on the 17th.

Hill Pigeon - Columba rupestris A flock of 20 were seen between Ghorepani and Ulleri on the 9th.

Woodpigeon - Columba palumbus Only recorded in flocks with 60 at Suiket on the 5th, 60 at Naudanda on the 6th, 250 above Birethanti on the 7th and 30 near Naudanda on the 12th.

Speckled Woodpigeon - Columba hodgsonii Around 15 were seen at Phulchowki on the 21st with 3 seen there on the 25th and we saw 3 at Gokarna on the 23rd.

Ashy Woodpigeon - Columba pulchricollis We saw 6 in the forests at Ghorepani on the 9th and up to 5 at Gokarna on the 23rd and 26th.

Collared Dove - Streptopelia decaocto A single bird was seen in Kathmandu on the 2nd and 3rd and 4 were seen on the bus ride to Pokhara on the 4th and 1 was seen whilst we were leaving Chitwan on the 19th.

Oriental Turtle Dove - Streptopelia orientalis Seen on eight dates at Kathmandu, Pokhara and Chitwan with a daily maximum of 20 being seen at Godaveri on the 24th.

Spotted Dove - Streptopelia chinensis Only seen around Kathmandu and Chitwan with a daily maximum of 30 seen at Chitwan on the 17th.

Emerald Dove - Chalcophaps indica We saw just 3 in woodland not far from Chitwan Jungle Lodge on the 17th.

Alexandrine Parakeet - Psittacula eupatria Seen on all four dates at Chitwan with a daily maximum of 30 seen on the 17th.

Ring-necked Parakeet - Psittacula krameri A flock of 18 were seen at Kathmandu on the 2nd with 2 seen there the next day and up to 12 were seen daily during our stay at Chitwan.

Slaty-headed Parakeet - Psittacula himalayana A flock of 80 were seen at Birethanti on the 7th with 25 seen there on the 11th and 30 the next day. A flock of 25 were seen in the forest bordering the southern shore of Phewa Tal on the 15th.

Blossom-headed Parakeet - Psittacula cyanocephala Around 40 were seen at Chitwan on the 17th.

Rose-breasted Parakeet - Psittacula alexandri Around 25 were seen at Chitwan on the 17th.

Green-billed Malkoha - Phaenicophaeus tristis A single individual was seen in the Churia Hills at Chitwan on the 18th.

Greater Coucal - Centropus sinensis A single individual was seen at Chitwan on the 16th and 17th.

Brown Fish Owl - Ketupa zeylonensis A single individual was seen at the edge of the forest bordering the southern edge of Phewa Tal on the 13th and on another visit on the 15th we found 2 roosting together there.

Jungle Owlet - Glaucidium radiatum Singles were seen at Chandrakot and Birethanti on the 6th and 2 were seen at Chitwan on the 17th.

Asian Barred Owlet - Glaucidium cuculoides Singles were seen in the forest to the south of Phewa Tal on four dates and on Phulchowki on the 20th.

Jungle Nightjar - Caprimulgus indicus Around 10 appeared at dusk over the river just downriver from the main bridge at Birethanti enlivening the potato curry that evening.

Himalayan Swiftlet - Collocalia brevirostris A single individual was seen at Kathmandu on the 2nd but they proved common at Pokhara and Chitwan with a daily maximum of c.2,000 seen feeding low over Phewa Tal on the 14th.

White-throated Needletail - Hirundapus caudacutus At Birethanti 3 joined the Jungle Nightjars over the river on the 11th.

Alpine Swift - Apus melba Singles were seen at Lakeside on the 13th and over the forest at the southern edge of Phewa Tal on the 15th.

Little Swift - Apus affinis We saw 2 near Suiket on the 5th and around 40 over Lakeside on the 13th.

Crested Tree Swift - Hemiprocne coronata Up to 200 were seen on the three dates spent at Chitwan.

Red-headed Trogon - Harpactes erythrocephalus A pair were seen on the walk up to the Churia Hills in Chitwan on the 18th.

White-breasted Kingfisher - Halcyon smyrnensis Seen on thirteen dates being seen at Kathmandu, Pokhara and Chitwan with a maximum of 8 being seen on the 17th.

Stork-billed Kingfisher - Pelargopsis capensis A single individual was seen along a stream close to Chitwan Jungle Lodge on the 17th.

Kingfisher - Alcedo atthis Seen at Phewa Tal, along the trek and at Chitwan being recorded on six dates with a daily maximum of 4 seen on the 17th.

Pied Kingfisher - Ceryle rudis A single individual was seen at Phewa Tal on the 4th and up to 4 were seen at Chitwan.

Crested Kingfisher - Ceryle lugubris A pair were seen at Birethanti on both the 6th and the 11th and 5 were seen between Birethanti and Tirkedhungha on the 7th.

Blue-bearded Bee-eater - Nyctyornis athertoni A single individual was seen feeding at beehives at Gokarna on the 23rd.

Green Bee-eater - Merops orientalis Around 12 were seen near Chitwan Jungle Lodge on an Elephant ride on the 17th.

Indian Roller - Coracias benghalensis Seen on five dates but only around Pokhara or from the bus between Pokhara and Kathmandu with a maximum of 7 seen on the 4th.

Hoopoe - Upupa epops Singles were seen along the Manora River near the Kathmandu Airport on the 3rd and at Chitwan on the 17th.

Great Pied Hornbill - Buceros bicornis A party of 3 were seen on the Elephant ride near the Chitwan Jungle Lodge on the 17th.

Great Barbet - Megalaima virens Seen on eight dates being recorded at Naudanda, Ulleri, Pokhara, Phulchowki and Gokarna with a daily maximum of 5 seen at the last site on the 23rd.

Lineated Barbet - Megalaima lineata Around 12 were seen on the walk to the Churia Hills at Chitwan on the 18th.

Golden-throated Barbet - Megalaima franklinii We saw 2 between Ghorepani and Ulleri on the 10th.

Blue-throated Barbet - Megalaima asiatica Seen at the Pashupatinath Temple Groves, the forest bordering the southern edge of Phewa Tal, Chitwan and Phulchowki with a daily maximum of 5 being seen on the 15th.

Orange-rumped Honeyguide - Indicator xanthonotus Singles were seen in the ravine leading northwards reached after crossing the second bridge just beyond Tirkedhungha and in the forest just north of Birethanti on the 11th. This species is listed as Near-threatened by Collar et al. (1994).

Speckled Piculet - Picumnus innominatus A party of 4 were seen near the entrance to the ravine at the base of Phulchowki on the 20th and a single individual was seen at Gokarna on the 26th.

Lesser Yellow-naped Woodpecker - Picus chlorolophus A single was seen in the forest at Phewa Tal on the 15th, up to 2 were seen at Chitwan on two dates and 2 were seen at Phulchowki on the 20th.

Greater Yellow-naped Woodpecker - Picus flavinucha We saw 2 in the forest at the southern edge of Phewa Tal on the 15th and 1 on Phulchowki on the 22nd.

Grey-headed Woodpecker - Picus canus Seen on a total of five dates being seen at Pokhara, Chitwan and Phulchowki with a daily maximum of 4 seen in forest at Pokhara on the 13th.

Himalayan Golden-backed Woodpecker - Dinopium shorii We saw 3 at Chitwan on the 16th and another 3 there the following day.

Bay Woodpecker - Blythipicus pyrrhotis A single individual was seen at the entrance to the ravine at the base of Phulchowki on the 21st.

Crimson-breasted Pied Woodpecker - Dendrocopos cathpharius A single individual was seen in the ravine at the base of Phulchowki on the 25th.

Fulvous-breasted Pied Woodpecker - Dendrocopos macei Seen on six dates in the Kathmandu and Pokhara areas with a maximum of 2 seen at Gokarna on the 23rd.

Grey-capped Pygmy Woodpecker - Dendrocopos canicapillus A single individual was seen just north of Birethanti on the 11th and up to 4 were seen at Chitwan on three dates.

Long-tailed Broadbill - Psarisomus dalhousiae JFC saw a single individual in a mixed species flock in the forests bordering the southern shore of Phewa Tal on the 15th.Rufous-winged (Bengal) Bush Lark - Mirafra assamica Just 2 seen at Chitwan on the 17th.

Short-toed Lark - Calandrella brachydactyla A flock of 40 were seen along the Manora River near Kathmandu Airport on the 3rd and 12 were seen in the same area on the 23rd.

Sandlark - Calandrella raytal Around 8 were seen on sandbanks in the Rapti River at Chitwan on the 17th.

Oriental Skylark - Alauda gulgula A flock of 70 were located in fields bordering the Manora River near Kathmandu Airport on the 23rd.

Brown-throated Sand Martin - Riparia paludicola Seen on thirteen dates being seen at the Kathmandu, Pokhara and Chitwan sites with a daily maximum of 30 seen at Chitwan on the 17th.

Crag Martin - Ptyonoprogne rupestris Seen on five dates at Pokhara or along the trek with a daily maximum of 15 seen between Birethanti and Ulleri on the 7th.

Swallow - Hirundo rustica Seen on sixteen dates being common in most areas although it was not seen along the trek to the north of Birethanti.

Red-rumped Swallow - Hirundo daurica Seen on seven dates around Kathmandu, Pokhara and Chitwan with a daily maximum of 30 seen at the last site on the 17th.

Nepal House Martin - Delichon nipalensis Seen on ten dates at Pokhara and along the trek with a daily maximum of 1,000 seen feeding low over Phewa Tal on the 14th.

Asian House Martin - Delichon dasypus At least 2 accompanied Nepal House Martins over Lakeside on the 13th.

Paddyfield Pipit - Anthus rufulus Seen on seven dates around Kathmandu and Pokhara with a maximum of 40 in the fields to the north of Phewa Tal on the 14th.

Olive-backed Pipit - Anthus hodgsoni Seen on eighteen dates proving common in most areas visited with a daily maximum of 100 seen at Chitwan on the 17th.

Rosy Pipit - Anthus roseatus A single individual was seen in fields bordering the Manora River near Kathmandu Airport on the 23rd.

Water Pipit - Anthus spinoletta We saw 5 along the Manora River on the 3rd with around 50 seen there on the 23rd, 20 were seen at Lakeside on the 13th and around 10 were seen in fields to the north of Phewa Tal the next day and finally 6 were seen at Chitwan on the 17th.

Upland Pipit - Anthus sylvanus A single individual was seen near Lumle along the trek on the 6th.

Yellow Wagtail - Motacilla flava A single individual was seen at Chitwan on the 17th.

Grey Wagtail - Motacilla cinerea Seen on thirteen dates proving widespread if not common in most areas.

Pied Wagtail - Motacilla alba Seen on fourteen dates proving common in most areas.

Large Pied Wagtail - Motacilla maderaspatensis A few were seen poorly from the bus between Mugling and Kathmandu on the 19th but good views were obtained at Gokarna where up to 4 graced the lawns being seen on both our visits there.

Common Woodshrike - Tephrodornis pondicerianus A single individual was seen in woodland not far from Chitwan Jungle Lodge on the 17th.

Large Woodshrike - Tephrodornis gularis A flock of around 15 were seen on the walk back from the Churia Hills at Chitwan on the 18th.

Pied Flycatcher Shrike - Hemipus picatus Seen at Chitwan where 6 were seen on the 17th, 8 on the 18th and 22 on the 19th.

Large Cuckoo-shrike - Coracina novaehollandiae A single individual was seen in the forests bordering the southern edge of Phewa Tal on the 15th.

Scarlet Minivet - Pericrocotus flammeus Recorded on seven dates being seen around Kathmandu, Pokhara and Chitwan although not on the trek. A daily maximum of 15 were seen in the forests bordering the southern edge of Phewa Tal on the 15th.Long-tailed Minivet - Pericrocotus ethologus Seen on the trek on four dates with a daily maximum of 8 seen in the Birethanti area on both the 11th and 12th.

Small Minivet - Pericrocotus cinnamomeus A flock of around 10 were seen at Chitwan on the walk up to the Churia Hills on the 18th.

Striated Bulbul - Pycnonotus striatus A flock of around 35 were seen near the entrance of the ravine at the base of Phulchowki on the 25th.

Red-whiskered Bulbul - Pycnonotus jocosus Around 10 were seen at Chitwan on the 17th.

White-cheeked Bulbul - Pycnonotus leucogenys Seen on twenty dates proving very common in most areas.

Red-vented Bulbul - Pycnonotus cafer Seen on seventeen dates proving fairly common although not seen along on the trekRufous-bellied Bulbul - Hypsipetes mcclellandii Around 7 were seen in the ravine to the north of Tirkedhungha on the 11th and up to 12 were seen on five dates whilst at Phulchowki.

Black Bulbul - Hypsipetes madagascariensis Seen on thirteen dates proving common in forest around Kathmandu, Pokhara and along the trek with a daily maximum of 60 seen between Ghorepani and Tirkedhungha on the 10th.

Common Iora - Aegithina tiphia Up to 8 were seen on three dates at Chitwan and 1 was seen on both trips to Gokarna.

Golden-fronted Leafbird - Chloropsis aurifrons At Chitwan 1 was seen on the 17th and 2 the following day.

Orange-bellied Leafbird - Chloropsis hardwickii We saw 3 in a fruiting tree in the forests at the southern edge of Phewa Tal on the 15th.

Brown Dipper - Cinclus pallasii Seen on six dates whilst on the trek with a daily maximum of 10 seen between Tirkedhungha and Birethanti on the 11th.

Wren - Troglodytes troglodytes A single individual was seen at Ghorepani on both the 9th and 10th.

Rufous-breasted Accentor - Prunella strophiata A single individual was seen just above Ulleri on the 9th.

Altai Accentor - Prunella himalayana A flock of around 30 were seen just above Ulleri on the 9th.

White-browed Shortwing - Brachypteryx montana A single male was seen in the ravine at the base of Phulchowki on the 21st.

Siberian Rubythroat - Luscinia calliope We saw 1 to the north and 3 to the south of Birethanti on the 11th and logged 9 over three dates in the forests bordering the southern edge of Phewa Tal including a full plumaged male (on the 13th). Finally we saw 1 near the temple opposite the entrance to the Godaveri Botanical Gardens.

Bluethroat - Luscinia svecica A single individual was seen near the bridge to the south of Phewa Tal on the 13th.

Himalayan Rubythroat - Luscinia pectoralis A male was seen along the edge of a river near the Chitwan Jungle Lodge on the 19th and another male was seen near the temple opposite the entrance to the Godaveri Botanical Gardens on the 24th. Superb.

Red-flanked Bluetail - Tarsiger cyanurus Proved to be common in forest areas with over 60 logged during the trip. Seen on the trek, around Pokhara, at Phulchowki and at Gokarna with a daily maximum of 12 seen in the forests at Ghorepani on the 10th.

Golden Bush-Robin - Tarsiger chrysaeus A female was seen in the Godaveri Botanical Gardens on the 20th and around 4 were seen (including some immature males) in the scrub along the trail starting opposite the entrance to the Godaveri Botanical Gardens leading up Phulchowki on the 24th.

Magpie Robin - Copsychus saularis Seen on seventeen dates proving common in most areas although not recorded to the north of Birethanti. A maximum of 20 were seen around Pokhara on the 14th.

White-rumped Shama - Copsychus malabaricus An immature was seen at Chitwan on the 17th and an adult was seen there the next day.

Blue-capped Redstart - Phoenicurus caeruleocephalus Along the trek 2 were present near Lumle on the 6th and 1 was seen there on the 12th, 1 was seen near Ulleri on the 10th. A single individual was seen at the forest at the southern edge of Phewa Tal on the 15th.

Black Redstart - Phoenicurus ochruros Seen on seven dates along the trek, around Pokhara and on Phulchowki with a daily maximum of 6 seen at the last site on the 20th.

Hodgson's Redstart - Phoenicurus hodgsoni Only seen in or around the Godaveri Botanical Gardens where 4 were seen on the 20th and 3 on the 24th.

Blue-fronted Redstart - Phoenicurus frontalis Seen on ten dates being recorded along the trek, on Phulchowki and at Gokarna with a daily maximum of 30 seen between Ghorepani and Tirkedhungha on the 10th.

Plumbeous Redstart - Rhyacornis fuliginosus Seen on fifteen dates proving to be a common bird along rivers although absent at Chitwan. A daily maximum of 30 were seen between Tirkedhungha and Birethanti on the 11th.

Stonechat - Saxicola torquata Seen on eighteen dates proving common at most sites visited.

Pied Bushchat - Saxicola caprata Seen on nine dates with a few being seen in most areas except on the trek where it was absent. A daily maximum of 6 was recorded at Pokhara on the 15th.

Dark-grey Bushchat - Saxicola ferrea Seen on seven dates being seen along the trek and in the scrub along the track starting opposite the Godaveri Botanical Gardens with a daily maximum of 4 seen between Tirkedhungha and Birethanti on the 11th.

White-capped Riverchat - Chaimarrornis leucocephalus Seen on thirteen dates along most rivers except from at Chitwan. A daily maximum of 8 was recorded between Birethanti and Ulleri on the 7th.

Chestnut-bellied Rock-Thrush - Monticola rufiventris A single male was seen near Lumle on the 12th.

Blue Rock-Thrush - Monticola solitarius A single individual was seen near the Tibetan Refugee Camp on the 5th and another was seen near Birethanti on the 11th.

Blue Whistling Thrush - Myiophoneus caeruleus Seen in most areas visited on a total of eighteen dates with a maximum of 10 seen between Tirkedhungha and Birethanti on the 11th.

Plain-backed Mountain Thrush - Zoothera mollissima Only seen around Ulleri where 2 were seen in fields above the village on the 9th with 1 seen there again the next day and another being seen just below Ulleri.

Long-tailed Mountain Thrush - Zoothera dixoni A single individual was seen just south of Birethanti on the 12th and singles were seen in the forest bordering the southern shore of Phewa Tal on the 13th and 15th.

White's Thrush - Zoothera dauma In the forest bordering the southern shore of Phewa Tal 3 were seen on the 13th and 2 were seen there on the 15th and at Gokarna 7 were seen on the 23rd and 2 were seen there on the 26th.

Long-billed Thrush - Zoothera monticola A single individual was seen in a small ravine between Hille and Tirkedhungha on the 7th. Another was seen briefly in the ravine at the base of Phulchowki on the 25th. This species is listed as Near-threatened by Collar et al. (1994).

Tickell's Thrush - Turdus unicolor A single male was seen near the Tibetan Refugee Camp on the 5th.

White-collared Blackbird - Turdus albocinctus On Phulchowki 1 was seen between the ravine and the huts half-way up on the 21st with 4 seen there the next day and 1 was seen in the Godaveri Botanical Gardens on the 24th.

Grey-winged Blackbird - Turdus boulboul We saw 4 in the forests to the south of Phewa Tal on the 15th and up to 6 in the Godaveri Botanical Gardens on both the 20th and 24th.

Dark-throated Thrush - Turdus ruficollis Seen on ten dates with a few being seen at most areas visited. A flock of 80 seen flying south over Naudanda on the 6th proved the largest gathering. A single 'Red-throated' form was seen at Gokarna on the 23rd.

Little Forktail - Enicurus scouleri Seen on four dates along the trek with 1 seen near Phedi on the 5th, 3 at Birethanti on the 6th, 2 between Birethanti and Tirkedhungha on the 7th and 3 seen along the same stretch on the 11th.

Black-backed Forktail - Enicurus immaculatus We saw 3 on the stream in the Churia Hills, Chitwan on the 18th.

Slaty-backed Forktail - Enicurus schistaceus A single individual was seen at Birethanti on the 6th with 3 seen beyond Birethanti but before Tirkedhungha on the 7th and 1 along the same stretch on the 11th.

Spotted Forktail - Enicurus maculatus Seen on eight dates with a total of 18 logged being seen at Phedi, Birethanti, Phulchowki and in the Godaveri Botanical Gardens. A daily maximum of 6 was seen between Tirkedhungha and Birethanti on the 11th.

Chestnut-headed Tesia - Tesia castaneocoronata Seen at the ravine at the base of Phulchowki where 1 was seen on the 20th, 2 on the 22nd and 6 on the 25th. A single individual was seen along the track starting opposite the Godaveri Botanical Gardens on the 24th. Proved far less skulking than expected often seen hopping around on moss-covered rocks.

Grey-bellied Tesia - Tesia cyaniventer A single individual was seen in a dark ravine at Gokarna on the 23rd with 2 being seen at the same site on the 26th. More skulking than the previous species although continually vocalising.

Rufous-capped (Grey-sided) Bush Warbler - Cettia brunnifrons A single individual was pished into view in scrub along the track starting opposite the entrance to the Godaveri Botanical Gardens on the 24th.

Brown Hill (Striated) Prinia - Prinia criniger A single individual was pished into view in scrub along the track starting opposite the entrance to the Godaveri Botanical Gardens on the 24th.

Jungle Prinia - Prinia sylvatica A party of 10 were seen in woodland on the walk to the Churia Hills, Chitwan on the 17th.

Plain Prinia - Prinia inornata A party of around 40 were seen at Chitwan on the 16th. Other species of Prinia were seen but were left unidentified.

Common Tailorbird - Orthotomus sutorius Seen on ten dates proving widespread if not common.

Thick-billed Warbler - Acrocephalus aedon We saw 1 in the fields near the dam at the southern edge of Phewa Tal on the 13th and another individual in the same general area the following day.

Golden-spectacled Warbler - Seicercus burkii Absent from Chitwan but fairly common in other areas being seen on twelve dates with a daily maximum of 8 seen on two dates whilst on the trek.

Chestnut-crowned Warbler - Seicercus castaniceps Around 6 were seen in the forest bordering the southern shore of Phewa Tal on the 15th, 1 was seen in the ravine at the base of Phulchowki on the 21st and 24th and 1 was seen at Gokarna on the 23rd.

Grey-headed Flycatcher Warbler - Seicercus xanthoschistos Very common in all areas visited with it being seen on nineteen dates with a daily maximum of an estimated 40 on Phulchowki on the 25th.

Black-faced Flycatcher Warbler - Abroscopus schisticeps Seen on a total of six dates being seen at various locations on the trek and around Kathmandu with a daily maximum of 4 seen on Phulchowki on the 22nd.

Blyth's Crowned Leaf Warbler - Phylloscopus reguloides Absent from Chitwan but elsewhere proved to be common being seen on thirteen dates. Probably under-recorded but the daily maximum was an estimated 30 at the forest on the southern shore of Phewa Tal on the 14th.

Western Crowned Leaf Warbler - Phylloscopus occipitalis A single individual was seen in the forest at the southern shore of Phewa Tal on the 15th, 8 were seen at Chitwan on the 17th with 15 there on the 18th and 1 on the 19th, 2 were seen on each visit to the Godaveri Botanical Gardens and 1 was seen at Gokarna on the 26th.

Greenish Warbler - Phylloscopus trochiloides Seen on the trek, at Pokhara and at Chitwan with a daily maximum of 15 being seen in the forests at Phewa Tal on the 13th.

Orange-barred Leaf Warbler - Phylloscopus pulcher Very common on the trek and on Phulchowki with a daily maximum of 50 being seen at Phulchowki on the 21st.

Grey-faced Leaf Warbler - Phylloscopus maculipennis Common on the trek and a few were seen on Phulchowki being seen on a total of eleven dates with a daily maximum of 20 being recorded on two dates whilst on the trek.

Pallas's Leaf Warbler - Phylloscopus proregulus Very common virtually everywhere being seen on over twenty dates with a daily maximum of 80 being seen in a single flock in the forests along the southern shore of Phewa Tal on the 15th.

Yellow-browed Warbler - Phylloscopus inornatus Seen on the trek, around Pokhara and Kathmandu on a total of nine dates with a maximum of 40 being seen in the Phewa Tal forests on the 13th.

Dusky Warbler - Phylloscopus fuscatus A single individual was seen near the dam at the southern end of Phewa Tal on the 14th and another was seen at Lakeside the next day.

Smoky Warbler - Phylloscopus fuligiventer A single individual was seen in low bushes next to the river near the Chitwan Jungle Lodge on the 19th.

Tickell's Leaf Warbler - Phylloscopus affinis We saw 3 at Chitwan on the 19th, 1 near the quarry at Phulchowki on the 20th and 4 were seen in the scrub along the track starting opposite the entrance to the Godaveri Botanical Gardens on the 24th.

Chiffchaff - Phylloscopus collybita Seen on four dates around Pokhara with a daily maximum of 5 recorded between there and Phedi on the 5th. A single individual was seen at Chitwan on the 19th.

Small Niltava - Niltava macgrigoriae Seen on eight dates in small numbers on the trek, around Pokhara and on Phulchowki.

Rufous-bellied Niltava - Niltava sundara Seen on a total of seven dates being seen at Phulchowki, Gokarna and proving to be fairly common in the forests at the southern shore of Phewa Tal where it was encountered on every visit with the daily maximum of 5 recorded there on the 15th.

Pale-chinned Flycatcher - Cyornis poliogenys A single individual was seen on the walk to the Churia Hills, Chitwan on the 18th.

Verditer Flycatcher - Muscicapa thalassina A single individual was seen in woodland near the Chitwan Jungle Lodge on the 17th.

Snowy-browed Flycatcher - Ficedula hyperythra A single male was seen on the 13th in the forests bordering Phewa Tal with another male seen in the same area on the 15th.

Orange-gorgetted Flycatcher - Ficedula strophiata Common and widespread being seen on fifteen dates with a daily maximum of 15 being seen in the Phewa Tal forests on the 15th.

Red-breasted Flycatcher - Ficedula parva Common around Pokhara and at Chitwan with a few seen around Kathmandu being seen on a total of eleven dates with a daily maximum of 15 being seen at Chitwan on the 17th.

Grey-headed Flycatcher - Culicicapa ceylonensis Fairly common at Pokhara and Chitwan being seen on a total of seven dates. Also 2 were seen on Phulchowki on the 24th.

Yellow-bellied Fantail - Rhipidura hypoxantha Seen on a total of twelve dates being absent at Chitwan. It was fairly common with our daily maximum being 6 seen in the Phewa Tal forests on the 15th.

White-throated Fantail - Rhipidura albicollis Seen on five dates being recorded from the trek, at Chitwan and on Phulchowki but the daily maximum was only 2.

Spotted Babbler - Pellorneum ruficeps A single individual was seen near the Chitwan Jungle Lodge on the 17th.

Rusty-cheeked Scimitar-Babbler - Pomatorhinus erythrogenys We saw 2 in the Phewa Tal forests and up to 3 were seen on three visits to Phulchowki.

White-browed Scimitar-Babbler - Pomatorhinus schisticeps A single individual was seen briefly just below Ulleri on the 10th.

Rufous-necked (Streak-breasted) Scimitar-Babbler - Pomatorhinus ruficollis Pairs were seen on Phulchowki on the 21st, 22nd and 24th.

Wren-Babbler sp. - Pnoepyga albiventer / pusilla Several were seen on the lower slopes of Phulchowki especially in the ravine at the base of the mountain but due to not vocalising and the poor views obtained we left them unidentified.

Black-chinned Babbler - Stachyris pyrrhops Around 10 were seen near Tirkedhungha on the 11th, 1 was seen at Chitwan on the 18th and 1 was seen on Phulchowki on the 25th.Grey-throated Babbler - Stachyris nigriceps Around 5 were seen in the ravine at the base of Phulchowki on the 21st.

Striped Tit-Babbler - Macronous gularis Around 8 were seen near the Chitwan Jungle Lodge on the 17th with 1 seen there on the 19th.

Red-capped Babbler - Timalia pileata Near the Chitwan Jungle Lodge 2 were seen in open woodland on the 19th.

Yellow-eyed Babbler - Chrysomma sinense Around 10 were seen on the walk to the Churia Hills at Chitwan on the 18th.

Spiny Babbler - Turdoides nipalensis A single individual was seen near Tirkedhungha on the 11th and 2 reacted to pishing in the scrub along the track starting opposite the Godaveri Botanical Gardens on the 24th.

Jungle Babbler - Turdoides striatus Up to 30 were seen near the Chitwan Jungle Lodge on the four dates spent there.

White-throated Laughing-thrush - Garrulax albogularis A party of 20 were seen just above Ulleri on the 9th and up to 80 were seen on four dates spent on Phulchowki.

White-crested Laughing-thrush - Garrulax leucolophus We saw 4 between Chandrakot and Birethanti on the 6th with 3 seen there on the 11th, 4 were seen in the Phewa Tal forests on the 14th and up to 12 were seen on four dates whilst on Phulchowki.

Striated Laughing-thrush - Garrulax striatus A single individual was seen above Ulleri on the 9th and it proved common on Phulchowki where up to 40 were seen on five dates there.

Rufous-chinned Laughing-thrush - Garrulax rufogularis Only seen on Phulchowki where 6 were seen on the 20th and 3 on the 25th.

Grey-sided Laughing-thrush - Garrulax caerulatus Only seen in the ravine at the base of Phulchowki where 2 were seen on the 22nd and 6 on the 25th.

Streaked Laughing-thrush - Garrulax lineatus Only seen near Ulleri where 2 were seen on the 8th and 6 on the 10th.

Black-faced Laughing-thrush - Garrulax affinis A party of around 6 were seen just above Ulleri on the 10th.

Chestnut-crowned (Red-headed) Laughing-thrush - Garrulax erythrocephalus We saw 2 at Ulleri on the 7th, 2 at Tirkedhungha on the 11th and it proved fairly common on Phulchowki where up to 10 were seen on five dates there.

Red-billed Leothrix - Leiothrix lutea We saw 2 in the forests to the south of Phewa Tal on the 13th and up to 30 were seen on three dates at Phulchowki.

Green Shrike-Babbler - Pteruthius xanthochloris A single individual was seen with a mixed-species flock that passed through the ravine at the base of Phulchowki on the 25th.

Black-eared Shrike-Babbler - Pteruthius melanotis At Tirkedhungha 3 were seen on the 7th and 2 on the 9th and on Phulchowki 1 was seen on the 21st and 4 on the 24th.

Hoary Barwing - Actinodura nipalensis A single individual was seen between Ghorepani and Ulleri on the 9th.

Blue-winged Minla - Minla cyanouroptera We saw 2 near Tirkedhungha on the 7th and up to 6 were seen on three dates at Phulchowki.

Chestnut-tailed Minla - Minla strigula Only seen between Tirkedhungha and Ghorepani with up to 15 being seen on three dates in that area.

Rufous-winged Fulvetta - Alcippe castaneceps A single individual was seen near Tirkedhungha on the 7th and up to 25 were seen on Phulchowki on three dates.

White-browed Fulvetta - Alcippe vinipectus Just 2 seen between Ulleri and Ghorepani on the 9th.

Nepal Fulvetta - Alcippe nipalensis We saw 1 near Phedi on the 5th and 1 near Naudanda on the 6th and on Phulchowki 6 were seen on the 24th and 12 the next day.

Black-capped Sibia - Heterophasia capistrata Seen on seven dates on the trek or on Phulchowki with a daily maximum of 60 recorded half-way up Phulchowki on the 22nd.

Whiskered Yuhina - Yuhina flavicollis Near Tirkedhungha 8 were seen on the 7th and 35 on the 11th and on Phulchowki up to 10 were seen on four dates.

Stripe-throated Yuhina - Yuhina gularis Only seen in the forest at Ghorepani with 50 seen on the 9th and 40 the following day.

Rufous-vented Yuhina - Yuhina occipitalis We saw 4 in the ravine at the base of Phulchowki on the 21st.

White-bellied Yuhina - Yuhina zantholeuca Seen on five dates from scattered locations being recorded at Tirkedhungha, the forest at Phewa Tal, Chitwan, Phulchowki and Gokarna with a daily maximum of 4 recorded at Phewa Tal on the 15th.

Red-headed (Black-throated) Tit - Aegithalos concinnus Seen on a total of nine dates being seen along the trek and on Phulchowki with a daily maximum of 15 recorded on four dates.

Yellow-browed Tit - Sylviparus modestus We saw 2 in the forest at Ghorepani on the 10th and up to 4 were recorded on three dates at Phulchowki.

Rufous-vented Black Tit - Parus rubidiventris A party of 4 were watched feeding in snow-covered conifers at Ghorepani on the 9th.

Great Tit - Parus major Seen on eleven dates in widespread locations with a daily maximum of 15 seen at Chitwan on the 17th.

Green-backed Tit - Parus monticolus Seen on nine dates being absent at Chitwan. A daily maximum of 5 was recorded on Phulchowki on the 22nd.

Black-lored Tit - Parus xanthogenys Seen on fifteen dates being absent at Chitwan. A daily maximum of 20 was recorded at Gokarna on the 26th.

Velvet-fronted Nuthatch - Sitta frontalis Seen on nine dates around Pokhara, Chitwan and Kathmandu with a daily maximum of 8 recorded at Chitwan on the 17th.

White-tailed Nuthatch - Sitta himalayensis Seen on a total of five dates being recorded at Gokarna and Phulchowki with a daily maximum of 4 seen at Phulchowki on the 22nd.

Chestnut-bellied Nuthatch - Sitta castanea Seen on eight dates being recorded at all main areas visited with a daily maximum of 5 recorded between Ghorepani and Tirkedhungha on the 10th.

Wallcreeper - Tichodroma muraria We saw 1 below Naudanda on the 5th, 2 between Birethanti and Tirkedhungha on the 7th with 3 seen there on the 11th, 1 at the Churia Hills, Chitwan on the 18th and 1 near the quarries at Godaveri on the 22nd.

Treecreeper - Certhia familiaris We saw 2 below Ulleri on the 7th.

Purple Sunbird - Nectarinia asiatica Singles were seen at Thamel in Kathmandu on the 3rd and on the walk to the Churia Hills, Chitwan on the 18th.

Mrs. Gould's Sunbird - Aethopyga gouldiae Up to 8 including some fine males were seen on four dates spent on Phulchowki.

Nepal (Green-tailed) Sunbird - Aethopyga nipalensis Only seen in the ravine leading north from Tirkedhungha with 8 seen on the 7th, 10 on the 10th and 15 on the 11th. Full plumage.

Black-throated Sunbird - Aethopyga saturata We saw 2 males at Birethanti on the 11th and 3 males along the track starting opposite the Godaveri Botanical Gardens on the 24th.

Crimson Sunbird - Aethopyga siparaja A male was seen at Phedi on the 5th with another seen at Tirkedhungha on the 11th.

Fire-tailed Sunbird - Aethopyga ignicauda Only winter-plumaged birds were encountered with 15 seen at Tirkedhungha on the 11th and up to 6 seen on five dates whilst on Phulchowki.

Streaked Spiderhunter - Aeachnothera magna we saw 5 feeding in a fruiting tree at the Churia Hills, Chitwan on the 18th.

Pale-billed Flowerpecker - Dicaeum erythrorhynchos We saw 2 at the Churia Hills, Chitwan on the 18th.

Plain Flowerpecker - Dicaeum concolor We just saw a single individual in the ravine at the base of Phulchowki on the 21st.

Fire-breasted Flowerpecker - Dicaeum ignipectus A single individual was seen at Ulleri on the 9th, up to 2 were seen at Phulchowki on four dates and 2 were seen at Gokarna on the 26th.

Oriental White-eye - Zosterops palpebrosa This species proved to be widespread being seen on ten dates with a maximum of 30 seen at Pashupatinath on the 3rd.

Maroon Oriole - Oriolus traillii We saw 3 in a patch of forest to the north of Birethanti on the 11th and it proved rather common in the forest at the southern shore of Phewa Tal where up to 15 were seen on three dates.

Black-headed Oriole - Oriolus xanthornus A single individual was seen at Lakeside on the 14th and up to 3 were seen on three dates at Chitwan.Brown Shrike - Lanius cristatus Singles were seen near the dam at Phewa Tal on the 15th, at the Godaveri Botanical Gardens on the 20th and at Gokarna on the 23rd.

Long-tailed Shrike - Lanius schach Seen on seventeen dates with it proving to be common and widespread although was absent north of Birethanti. Our first and last records were at Dhaka Airport in Bangladesh but our daily maximum was 12 seen between Kathmandu and Pokhara on the 4th.

Grey-backed Shrike - Lanius tephronotus Seen on nine dates in small numbers and proving widespread although not seen at Chitwan.

Black Drongo - Dicrurus macrocercus Seen on sixteen dates proving very common and widespread although absent on the trek.

Ashy Drongo - Dicrurus leucophaeus Up to 2 were seen at Birethanti on three dates with 1 seen at the Phewa Tal forests on the 13th and 5 on Phulchowki on the 24th.

White-bellied Drongo - Dicrurus caerulescens We just saw 3 at Chitwan on the 17th.

Bronzed Drongo - Dicrurus aeneus Up to 3 were seen near Birethanti on the 6th and 11th, up to 4 were seen in the Phewa Tal forests on four dates and 2 were seen on Phulchowki on the 20th.

Lesser Racket-tailed Drongo - Dicrurus remifer A single individual was seen near Phedi on the 5th and 2 were seen in the Phewa Tal forests on the 13th and 15th.

Hair-crested Drongo - Dicrurus hottentottus We saw 6 at Chitwan on the 17th and an estimated 100 were seen on the walk up to the Churia Hills, Chitwan on the 18th.

Greater Racket-tailed Drongo - Dicrurus paradiseus A single individual was seen on the walk up to the Churia Hills, Chitwan on the 18th.

Ashy Woodswallow - Artamus fuscus we saw 2 at Chitwan on the 18th.

Jay - Garrulus glandarius Seen on a total of nine dates being recorded at Phulchowki, the Phewa Tal forests and at Ghorepani with a daily maximum of 12 seen on Phulchowki on the 22nd.

Lanceolated Jay - Garrulus lanceolatus Proved to be common in the forests bordering the southern edge of Phewa Tal with a flock of 80 birds being encountered on three dates. We also saw a party of 6 on Phulchowki on the 22nd.

Red-billed Blue Magpie - Urocissa erythrorhyncha Around 8 were seen near the town of Birethanti on the 11th, 10 were seen in the Phewa Tal forests on the 15th, 3 were seen at Chitwan on the 17th and up to 8 were seen in or near the Godaveri Botanical Gardens on both the 20th and 24th.

Green Magpie - Cissa chinensis We saw 2 in the small area of forest to the north of Birethanti on the 11th and seen on every visit to the forests to the south of Phewa Tal with a daily maximum of 6 being recorded there on the 15th.

Rufous Treepie - Dendrocitta vagabunda Up to 4 were seen on four dates whilst at Chitwan.

Grey Treepie - Dendrocitta formosae Seen on eleven dates and only absent at Chitwan. The daily maximum was 50 recorded in the forests to the south of Phewa Tal on the 15th.

House Crow - Corvus splendens Very common and widespread although not seen to the north of Birethanti.

Jungle Crow - Corvus macrorhynchos Seen virtually every day and often in large numbers.

Asian Pied Starling - Sturnus contra Around 6 were seen at Dhaka Airport on the 2nd and up to 6 were seen at Chitwan on three dates.

Common Myna - Acridotheres tristis Common and widespread.

Jungle Myna - Acridotheres fuscus Common and widespread although not seen north of Birethanti.

House Sparrow - Passer domesticus Common and widespread although not seen north of Birethanti.

Cinnamon Sparrow - Passer rutilans We saw 2 at Chandrakot on the 12th.

Tree Sparrow - Passer montanus Common and widespread although not seen at Chitwan.

Striated (White-rumped Munia) - Lonchura striata A flock of 8 were seen near the Tibetan Refugee Camp on the 5th and up to 20 were seen around Pokhara on four dates.

Tibetan Serin - Serinus thibetanus A flock of around 70 were seen in the Godaveri Botanical Gardens on the 20th with 20 seen there on the 24th. We saw 3 in the ravine at the base of Phulchowki on the 25th.

Dark-breasted Rosefinch - Carpodacus nipalensis We saw 2 males in the ravine at the base of Phulchowki on the 21st with 1 seen again there on the 25th.

Beautiful Rosefinch - Carpodacus pulcherrimus A single male was seen near Tirkedhungha on the 11th.

Pink-browed Rosefinch - Carpodacus rhodochrous A flock of 6 were seen near Ulleri on the 9th and 1 was seen in the same area on the 10th. Presumably forced down by the poor weather at higher elevations.